Frenchman David Casteu (KTM) has won the 2nd special of the day, shortened to 36 km, 36″ ahead of David Frétigné (Yamaha) and 58″ in front of Cyril Despres (KTM). Taking advantage of Despres’s mechanical worries and the withdrawal of Marc Coma in the day’s first special, David Casteu, winner of both time-trials today, has also taken control of the general standings.

Coma out of the race!

After falling during the first special of the day, Spaniard Marc Coma (KTM), who was leading the general standings this morning, has decided to abandon due to severe pain in his right knee. The winner of the 2006 Dakar has been taken to the hospital in Baia Mare to have his knee examined.

Mechanical problem for Despres

Due to a problem with his milometer just after waypoint 1, Frenchman Cyril Despres, occupying 2nd place in the general standings, missed an intersection and rode for 6 km on the wrong track before rejoining the day’s route. As a result, the Gallic rider crossed the finishing line of the first loop almost 15 minutes behind the day’s winner.